How Much Does a District of Columbia
Driver's License Cost?
A District of Columbia driver's license costs $47 and lasts 8 years. Below are all 9 official fees from the District of Columbia DMV.
District of Columbia License Costs at a Glance
- Permit + first license (approx.)
- $67
- License valid for
- 8 years
- About $5.88 per year
- Replacement
- $20
- REAL ID
- No extra cost
At $47, District of Columbia's license fee is higher than in 38 other states. The national median is $34.
📊Official District of Columbia DMV Fees
From the District of Columbia DMV fee schedule. Verify current amounts before paying.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Class D Driver License (8 year) | $47.00 |
| Learner Permit | $20.00 |
| Provisional License | $20.00 |
| REAL ID upgrade | No additional cost |
| Limited Purpose License (8 year) | $47.00 |
| Replacement License | $20.00 |
| Driver Education (optional) | $300–$600 (varies by provider) |
| Knowledge test fee | $10.00 |
| Skills (drive) test fee | $10.00 |
🗓️When You Pay Each Fee in District of Columbia
- 1
Study the District of Columbia Driver Manual
The test fee is $10.
- 2
Apply for a Learner Permit at 16
Visit any DC DMV service center with your parent/guardian, required documents, and $20 fee.
- 3
Pass the Skills (Drive) Test at 16.5
The test fee is $10.
- 4
Receive the Provisional License at 16.5
Pay the $20 Provisional License fee.
- 5
Upgrade to Full Class D at 17 or 18
Pay the $47 (8-year) license fee at any DMV service center.
How much does a DC driver's license cost?
A Class D Driver License is $47 (8-year). The Learner Permit is $20, the Provisional License is $20, and the Limited Purpose License is $47 (8-year). Knowledge and skills tests are $10 each. Replacement licenses are $20. Optional Driver Education is $300–$600 at private schools.
🗺️District of Columbia Compared With Neighboring States
You must be a resident to get a state's license, but if you live near a border, here is how District of Columbia's fees compare.
🚚Moving to District of Columbia With a License?
New DC residents must transfer their license within 60 days. Visit any DC DMV service center with your old license, identity documents, SSN, and 2 DC residency documents. The vision test is required; the written and drive tests are typically waived for valid U.S. licenses in good standing. Out-of-country licenses require both the written and drive test (with the exception of foreign nationals on diplomatic visas, who may continue driving on their home-country license).
Transfer deadlines in every state →Budgeting Beyond the DMV Fee
The figures above are District of Columbia's official fees. Driver education, behind-the-wheel lessons, and insurance can cost more than the license itself.
Estimate your total District of Columbia cost
The official fees above are only part of the bill. Add your age, REAL ID, driver education and retests to see a realistic total for District of Columbia.
Required to board domestic US flights starting May 7, 2025.
Most states charge $5–$35 per failed road-test attempt. Optimistic? First-try pass rates run 50–60% in most states.
Estimates use the fees listed on this page. Open the full calculator to compare other states.
Fees change. Always confirm the amount on the official District of Columbia DMV website before paying. US Driver Guide is not affiliated with any government agency.